India, Pakistan cricket fans come to blows

Sydney, Feb 16 (IANS) Four people were injured when a brawl broke out between cricket fans watching the India-Pakistan World Cup match at a club in Sydney, media reported Monday.

Police said the fight at the Merrylands RSL club Sunday night involved up to 40 people, ABC reported.

"Four people were taken to hospital with injuries which included lacerations and abrasions," a police official said.

"Those people have since been released from hospital. Investigating police are working closely with the club to identify the persons involved."

The game between the Asian neighbours was one of the most highly anticipated of the tournament, drawing an estimated global viewing audience of one billion.

Merrylands RSL club CEO Bryn Miller said nearly 180 people gathered to watch the live televised match in one of the club's rooms last night.

India won the match by 76 runs amid a frenzied atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval, extending its World Cup record over Pakistan to six wins from as many matches.

"It drew a large crowd, it was a very popular match," Miller said.

"Unfortunately some people allowed their spirit to expose the ugly side to their behaviour."

Miller said the CCTV footage showed two people started the brawl by throwing a stool before running out of the club.

"There were definitely two perpetrators who were seen in the CCTV, pick up a stool and walk some distance and throw it at a person," he said.